365 Challenge Day 56 - 25/02/2012

Favourite Products

I took full advantage of the Body Shops weekend offer of 40% off when you buy 4 or more products, and stocked up on my new favourite facial skincare products. I still have to do a review on these as I absolutely adore them, and so far no breakouts, or at least not relating to facial products. These are the most refreshing products I've ever used, but like I say a full review to come. I definitely recommend signing up for the body shop emails if you like their products because I've received so many deals that have saved me a fortune. Though I only buy the things I really need or I'd my bank balance wouldn't be so happy.

Katie 

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P.S When I say I took full advantage, I should say that I sent Michael in to pick everything up, but the boy did good. 

365 Challenge Day 55 - 24/02/2012

Amazon Treats

I placed an order on amazon a few day ago and it arrived this morning while I was at work, and to keep it protected Michael left Dillon in charge as guard. haha. I love this little character, but I love the goodies inside much more. I won't bore you with the contents because as you will guess it's full of books, but I will say that I didn't need them, but I have wanted them for ages. I guess that makes it ok. 

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 54 - 23/02/2012

Not The Best Pillow

Oh anther post filled with books and cats? Yep, but when they're combined in such an adorable way, I'm sure you don't mind. This happens almost every evening, we're just lucky that this time he didn't knock it off. And if your wondering about the book, it's I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella and I have to say that this is the best chick-lit I've read in a while. Such lovely, witty writing with amazing, loveable characters. Slight predictable, but I guarantee that it will leave you with that warm and fuzzy feeling. I would recommend it any day.

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 53 - 22/02/2012

Still Going Strong

Just over a week since Michael surprised me with a lovely bunch of roses and they are only just starting to die off. I love them so much. I've begun each morning with a smell of them, and each and every day they have put a smile on my face. It's not every day that you get pretty flowers, so it's been a lovely change. I sound like I'm not treated very often. I am, but not usually with flowers because I hate them when they die. But this time Michael has promised to sort them out when they cease to exist. haha.

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 52 - 21/02/2012

Shrove Tuesday

A lovely day off with the husband, and we took Millie out for a run on one of our favourite fields that's within walking distance of our home. When she got too tired to run we decide to "shoot a few hoops!" If I'm honest we are decent but we did have the added distraction of the ball thief. Just when you think someones all settled they run along, grab the ball between their teeth and then run off again! And who might that little bugger be? Why Millie of course. 

With it being Pancake Day we did have a few sneaky pancakes, with our preference of American style. A refreshing change from traditional English pancakes and much tastier. (probably due to the vast quantities of sugar.) I did make the decision to add coco powder to mine, which I regret slightly, but smothered in popping candy chocolate spread made it bareable. haha. 

And with Pancake Day making way for 40 days and 40 nights of lent both Michael and I have chosen to give up chocolate and fizzy drinks. A tough and drastic choice for us but since we completed it last year by only giving up chocolate we thought that this year we should up the ante. Wish me luck! 

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 51 - 20/02/2012

Sleep Tight

I caught Mike having a quick cuddle of my quilt, after I fell asleep on the sofa after work. I guess that's what you get for staying up until 3am on a work night. I sound like a 40 year old. In fact a 40 year old would probably do better after a late night. haha. 

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 50 - 19/02/2012

In Love With Reading

We had a lazy day as per usual. Recently it seems the only way to end a long working week, but who's complaining? What could be better than spending time with the husband?! We played Call of Duty. haha. I wouldn't say that I was a gamer girl but I do enjoy this game, though I also dramatically reduce Michael's kill/death ratio. Shame. Michael then challenged me to finish my book before I went to bed, (I think it was juts a way to keep me quite for a few hours) and not being one to back down from a challenge I took him up on it. Granted it was 3:30am by the time we finally climbed into bed, but boy was it worth it. The book in question was The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness and was incredible. Such a fast paced, constantly entertaining novel that encourages you to question both human nature and everything you believe in. Great book and one I would recommend to anyone, I just can't wait to read the rest in the series now!

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 49 - 18/02/2012

Good Food

Another foodie blog post including the yummy pita's from before, but I just had to share. We added the obvious choice of lettuce along with chicken and garlic prawns. Nom nom. When cooking I knew that they would taste good, but I could never have imagined just how good! This meal will definitely be replicated, lets just hope that it's sometime soon.

Katie

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365 Challenge Day 48 - 17/02/2012

Healthy That also Tastes Good

A bit of a boring photo of the day but I just had to share. I've been looking all over for these after spotting them on Anna's daily vlog channel but could not find them anywhere. Well that was until I went into Sainsbury's. They are slightly more expensive than the normal pitta breads, but jam packed with seeds, and to say that I'm not normally a fan of seeded bread they are just so tasty. I can safely say that we'll be repurchasing these.

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 47 - 16/02/2012

Car Thief in the Making

What to do when you get to the end of the day and you've not taken any pictures? Take photos of your animals doing odd things of course. 

It's proved a little more difficult to keep up to date with my challenge since returning back at work after a lovely week off, but that's why it's called a challenge, I didn't ever think that it was going to be easy. Though saying that I've still posted every day with a picture from the previous day so I'm pretty proud so far. 

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 46 - 15/02/2012

A Good Book Before Bed 

All day all I've wanted to do is cuddle up in bed and finish my book. This book has me hooked. It's fast paced, suspenseful, with fantastic relatable characters. If I'm honest I'd recommend it to anyone, just make sure that you give yourself time to read it, because it's like just pringles (you just can't stop!)

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 45 - 14/02/2012

Be My Valentine 

I love Valentines day. Though I do believe that you don't need one day to show you're loved one just how much you care, it's the perfect excuse to "encourage" your husband to watch a romantic movie. haha. I wish I could say that we got around to the movie, but unfortunately after our extremely tasty candle lit dinner I fell asleep on Michael's shoulder. Tut tut. We both had a wonderful evening and it was lovely to spend quality time with my man. Oh and guess who meet me from work with a bunch of red and white roses? Yup Michael. Such a thoughtful gesture, though I did blush slightly. 

How was your valentine's day? Did you spend it being gushy and loved up, or gipping? haha. And if you're single I sure hope that you treated yourself to something expensive that you can't quite afford, I know that I would have! 

Katie 

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P.S The chocolate fudge cake was a Sainsbury's own for only £2, and it was perfect. Definitely a fix for the chocolate cravings that I'm sure we all get. Nope? Just me then? 

365 Challenge Day 44 - 13/02/2012

Creating Chaos

Today after a long day shopping. Oh such tough times. haha. Actually it was due to all the kids of school for a week, ergh. Now I love children, but what I hate are teenagers. Well not teenagers in general, but obnoxious, in your face, rude teenagers. Oh and screaming children. There should be a important news bulletin when it's half term so all the people without children can avoid town centres at all costs. haha. I sound awful don't I?! Yup. I even got to the point where I asked my Mum if I'll hate my own children with how much other people's annoy me, she replied with a no, saying that she hates other people's children. haha. I'll take that as a backhanded compliment, thanks Mum. Anyway I digress, back to where I started, after town I headed home to sit in front of the computer and get back into some good old youtubing.

I love youtube, some would probably say a little too much, but it's so much fun. Personally I'm a booktuber. I do love make-up but could never see myself as a make-up guru, plus I'm a little fickle when it comes to hobbies, some days I love it sometimes I just haven't got the energy, and that's where books are different. There are so many different genres to constantly keep my attention, and there's always something that I want to read and rave about. Thank you youtube for being my vocal outlet when everyone in my real life start to glaze over at the very mention of the word book. Unfortunately my table is less grateful for being covered with books while I record. Oops.

Katie 

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P.S It'll be valentine's day when you read this, so I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy valentine's day. Hope you at least get a chocolate bar off your loved one. haha.

365 Challenge Day 43 - 12/02/2012

Breaking all the Rules

Ok not quite, but definitely the no takeaway rule. Last night we decided to make a naughty and very unhealthy food choice and opted for a takeaway. We talked ourselves into it by saying that we both deserved a treat, but to be honest any excuse would have done it. haha. I must say that it was very yummy, but I don't think my body was used to the heavy meal which left me with stomach ache, not good. We both chose hamburger and chips, with a cheesy garlic bread on the side, nom nom, an we've now made the decision that we are allowed a maximum of 6 takeaways this year. We've used up the first and now are left with only 5. Choose wisely.

Katie 

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Sunday Snaps - Instagram Photo Dump # 4

/ Jake Vs Mike // Dillon // our footprints across a golf course naughty naughty // i guess Millie was thirsty // he always saves me the red ones // drinks at Frankie and Bennie's // who doesn't love to draw in the snow? // this is where he waits for us every morning // american style pancakes. nom nom. // someone loves my new PJs // smashed glass. sad times // Salt dough creations /

Only one day left of my week off from work, and it's been a lovely break. Admittedly a lot of time has been spent creating permanent bum prints in our sofa but it has been nice to spend time with Michael. And though we feel guilty that we haven't actually done that much (I blame the snow!) we have asked each other, "have you enjoyed it?" and our answer is always yes. So what's the problem? 

Hope you've all had a wonderful week

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 42 - 11/02/2012

Rawrrrrr!



I know that there's probably more than enough picture of our beautiful animals, but I guess that's what happens when you attempt to complete the 365 Photo Challenge. One word of warning, don't wake the cat!

bye for now,

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 41 - 10/02/2012

A Date With Salt Dough 

Last night I stayed up rather late making salt dough valentine hearts, which are currently drying out in the kitchen. I cannot wait until they are all dry and really to use. Anyhow, I'm curious as to where you keep your rings when your elbow deep in sticky mixtures?

I'm not normally one to ever remove my jewellery especially my wedding and engagement rings but salt dough is definitely one of my exceptions.

Katie

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365 Challenge Day 40 - 09/02/2012

Blogging Blog Post

I thought that today it would be fitting to blog about spending the whole day blogging. Honestly that is all I've done. I've changed blog urls, redesigned my whole blog, edited links, and now a small (but very crazy) part of me wants to go back and edit all my tags to make everything that little bit neater. There's one thing that's bugging me though and I'm not sure how to fix it. Ever since changing my blog url my linkswithin refuses to work correctly. I've deleted and reinstalled it numerous times with no success, but the program keeps redirecting my blog to my previous blog address. It's driving me slightly insane. I just wondered if anyone out there has experienced the same problem and could share their knowledge with me. Here's hoping. 

Other than that I'm very happy with where my blog is going and I'm very proud of my design (though who's guessing how long that will last.) For now it's sticking around. 

I thought it would be fun to show you all the changes my little blog has gone through in it's short life, and probably enlighten you into how easily bored I can get with visual things. Now unfortunately I cannot show you print screens of my blog through the stages, and that's not because I only just learnt how to print screen on a mac (ok yes it is, but shhhh!) but what I can show you are the many headers we've had.

This is only a selection of the ones I've had, because there are a few that I just cannot find, and I have a feeling that they may have been long since deleted. Though I no longer like these headers I'm still going to keep them because I just can't bare to send them to the trash, which is probably the reason why my computer keeps telling me I'm low on memory.

That's all from me today.

Speak Soon,

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 39 - 08/02/2012

Spring Clean

This morning saw the beginnings of a tidy home. Zero morning spent snuggling up with the duvet on the sofa fiddling with my blog (what do you think by the way?) and more time spent with a duster in one hand and cleaning spray in the other. I started off with the bedroom, which over the past few weeks had been gradually filling up with baskets upon baskets full of clean clothes, which is where we begin this post, a bed covered with said clothes. 

Unfortunately due to my very nature I struggle to do the only job I set out to do, so I ended up reorganising all the clothes storage including the dreaded sock drawer. I wish it took the little time that these picture make out, that I could click my fingers and poof, all done, but I'm afraid to say that this took all morning. Talking of poof, click the link, cutest thing ever. 

That's my morning, or should I say day, as my allergies decided to make their appearance and I spent the remainder of the day suffering on the sofa with the previously mentioned duvet. Shame. haha. 

Speak Soon,

Katie 

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P.S. The husband made the kitchen all sparkly clean *b-ding* while I clean our bedroom. Thumbs up for amazing husbands. 

Mash Potato Moments

Hello everyone. You may have noticed a few changes over here, you may not. You may have even clicked on this post thinking, 'who on earth is mash potato moments?' Well that's me. Tonight I decided to change my blogging identity as I'm sure every blogger has done at least once, and if you haven't then I commend you, you are definitely stronger than I. 

This title/blog url change led to a little discomfort of my part this evening as I panicked to whether anyone would be able to find me with all the shiny new-ness, which then led to a few embarrassing emails (sorry Rachael) and a few, I'll change it back, it's ok, I'll just change it back moments. haha. Now that I am slightly calmer I have chosen to type this post and welcome you all to a new part of my blogging life. Now nothing is changing over here, the posts will still be the same but it will now be filled with a few mash potato moments. And if you're unsure as to what a mash potato moment actually is, then we'll have to ask Michael that one day, but for now I'll leave you with this as a bit of a clue.  

Oh and yeah, ugly sofa, ugly ugly ugly sofa. Erg! 

bye for now,

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 38 - 07/02/2012

Lazy Day

This is the most active I've been all day. Today has consisted of waking up, [late] relaxing in front of the laptop while Mike plays Xbox, forcing my lazy self to shower, then relaxing some more while getting evils from the hound. We finally got our butts into gear just before midnight to take her for her daily walk. 

On the plus side I have got further through my book and I'm still absolutely loving it, I cannot wait until Jared gets home though. I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm reading a book that I really love I get that attached to the characters that I feel like I'm there with them. I'm even at the point where I'm not sure if I want to read anymore just incase I loose someone I really like. Stupid, huh? 

I'm hoping for a more productive day tomorrow, one where fingers crossed, all the ice and slush has melted away and we can take Millie for a super long walk without the fear that I'll fall flat on my arse, face, or both. Where we will get up early to clean the house from top to bottom, then in the afternoon visit a few craft stores to pick up a few bits and bats for some pretty valentine's creations. Oooh I cannot wait. I love snow, and I love weeks off from work, but it just turns out that I'm not that keen on combining the two.

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 37 - 06/02/2012

Moments like these

When we originally made our no take-away challenge it was to be able to have moments like these. Meals out with the husband, date night, whatever you want to call it. Originally we intended to go to a local "two for one" restaurant, who make the most delicious cheesy chips, but unfortunately they stop making food ridiculously early, so we ended up at Frankie and Bennies. I know it's super cheesy and when the birthday music plays you can feel the embarrassment level of the whole room rise, but Frankie & Bennies hold a special place in our hearts. Michael and I actually got engaged here, and one day I may share the story with you all, but for now lets just say that he did plan to propose in a fancy Italian restaurant, but Katie spoilt it. And now... I wouldn't change it for the world. 

Last night was amazing. The food was incredible. I had the margarita pizza (no surprise there then) and Mike chose the meatballs and spaghetti. To follow we both shared the chocolate fudge brownie cake 'thingy me-bob', which quickly disappeared soon after this picture was taken. And even though it was still chocolate we decided that on meals out our chocolate ban could be broken. 

Oooh have I not told you about that? Nope, I guess not. We've given up all chocolatey treats up until Easter to prevent the ominous gorging on easter eggs, and maltesers bunnies which happens on a yearly basis. 

Katie 

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365 Challenge Day 36 - 05/02/2012

Snow Idea Of A Title

The first snow day of 2012. Blogs are full of wonderful pictures of people having fun in the snow, facebook is full of the same and I love it. The only thing that comes close to having an amazing snow day, is watching other people enjoy theirs. After a lovely lay in followed by breakfast in bed, made by my wonderful husband we wrapped up warm and headed out on our daily Millie walk. Any Sunday that Michael and I have off work together we like to go somewhere that little bit special so we went to one of my all time favourite places. The walk is beautiful in any weather but especially spectacular covered in snow. Oh and if you didn't guess this walk is my all time favourite place, i have no specific way to describe where it is. 

The path itself leads through the middle of a golf course and comes out in a little country neighbourhood which surrounds the church where Michael and I were married, and also the place where my Granddad rests. Today was the first time we'd visited the church since our wedding day and all my memories came flooding back. We even recreated a few of our wedding snaps. haha. We also tidied Granddad up a bit so he could see the snow rather than being covered in it. 

Heading back home we decided to cut across the golf course (naughty naughty) where the snow remained untouched. Well that was until Mike, Millie and came came bounding through it. Though it did turn into one of those never ending treks where we thought we'd never make it back to dry land, but after 5 minutes of trudging through thick snow we made it to the road. 

In the end we walked a total of 3 miles and we all felt it. Millie's feet were that cold she couldn't even put them down at one point. Don't worry, once we got home her needs came before ours as we warmed her up before we made a cuppa to do the same for us. 

Days like these remind me of the type of things I'd miss if we were to ever move house, having such beauty practically on our doorstep. 

Can't wait to see what's in store tomorrow.

Katie

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